NADA ACADEMY GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT CODY KOHLWES How did you get into the industry? When I was attending college, I needed a job, so I applied for a sales position at a local Subaru dealership. I was familiar with the industry as my grandpa, Steve Bakko, is a dealer, but I knew nothing about sales. I went in for an interview with the general sales manager. That day, he happened to have on a double arrow jacket, and I’m from Seeley Lake, Montana, so I knew exactly what the double arrow was. I started talking to him about his jacket and his interests. I didn’t talk about the job or mention myself. After a few minutes of conversation, he said, “I wasn’t going to hire you today. I brought you in out of respect because you sent in a resume. I don’t hire people without experience. You didn’t talk about the job and instead brought up the double arrow and built a relationship with me before any business was discussed. That’s 100% what sales is,” he continued, “You’re going to be very good in this industry and have a successful career if you stick it out.” I was hired then and there. The rest is history. Cody Kohlwes, general manager for Campbell Kia of Missoula, graduated from the NADA Academy on June 21, 2024, as part of Class N433. The NADA Academy program prepares current and future dealership leaders to operate a successful and profitable automotive business while examining the latest in industry trends and technology. Sessions are taught over six months by industry experts, with hands-on practical application in each area of the dealership. We recently talked to Cody and learned more about him, his thoughts on the NADA Academy and his key takeaways. The following are excerpts from our conversations. 36 MONTANA AUTO DEALER
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